I think I might be seriously deranged. I complain (lovingly) about Gus all the time. He howls, licks the table, hogs the bed, eats my jewelry and clothing, destroys all paper products, digs in the yard, and kills mice. But he is also the sweetest dog in the whole world. I think you have to love beagles to appreciate one. Not surprisingly, beagles have a high abandonment rate. I can't imagine why. I have recently become obsessed with the Oklahoma Beagle Rescue website. There are so many beagles on there that need a home and it's all I can think about! I want one! But do I? Do I really?
I've read so much about how beagles are happier and better behaved with another dog. When they spend long stretches of time alone [ie- My work day August-May], they may act out with bad behavior. Heh. Ya think?
We tried another dog once, a dachsund/shepherd mix that was touted to us as a dachsund/cocker spaniel mix. Big difference. The vet checked her out and told me how big she was going to be! Gus did not take well to her aggressive habits developed from living around 11 big dogs, I could never wash the doggie smell off of her, and in the process of trying, my eye almost swelled shut from my apparent allergy to her. So, she was placed in a different home. Once with 3 kids and no dogs, which as probably best for her. We dropped the idea after that. However.
You must go look at these sweet beagles who need a home. Most of the ones I've looked at are 2-4 years old and house/crate trained already. I'm in love with Coda, Louie and Lacey. I've been talking it over with Gus. I can't get a clear read on his opinion. He gazes at me adoringly and doesn't look the least bit depressed or anxious as he allegedly should be according to the articles. Then he licks his behind. Is that a sign? But his bad behavior clearly speaks for itself.
I really do love beagles, but I understand why most people don't. There are a lot of people who adopt them as puppies because they are darling and then darling grows up into a baying dervish that destroys their home.
I am extremely aware that Gus is a high, high, high maintenence dog. But what really burns my biscuits is when people who don't have a beagle try to tell me what I'm doing wrong with him. I'm quite aware he has issues. I'll be the first to admit it. But his sweetness and cuddliness and funny personality far outweigh his rotten-ness. I love to spoil him. It makes me happy. And that's why I feel guilty not sharing my ability to love and spoil a dog with one of those poor beagles who needs a home so badly. What do you think?
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10 comments:
I agree with Jim. One animal per household is not enough. Definitely go for it!
So funny that you posted this today. I just did a post about greyhound adoption! I know your dad has a grey...do you think Gus would do well with the calming influence of one?
I love the beagles on that site...I think Freddy is my favorite! But I wonder if another high-energy dog would just double your problem. ?
I'm one of those annoying people who complains about Gus even though I don't have a beagle. I guess I complain because I don't think his bad behavior should be justified by his breed. I agree, Gus does have his lovable moments. It's just that putting his nose on the table during dinner isn't one of them. :o)
I, too, have thought about adding another beagle to our houshold. But Sierra's behavior around my mom's dogs (mini schnauzers) has me thinking that she is an "only child." But I think that eventually when we do have more time and more room, we will add another dog. And Sierra will have to get used to it.
I, too, have experienced scolding by non-beagle owners about Sierra's behavior. They just don't understand. I love my little beagle so much that it pains me to think that there are so many in the shelters. They are not bad dogs. They just need a lot of love and attention. And training. Which we didn't do enough of. But we will never give up on our little girl just because she barks at 3 a.m. and farts in the bed.
I say go for it.
Hey Panthergirl ... my dad is the one with a grey. He is coming to visit my area next weekend for a greyhound show. Should be fun!
If you're going to start a family during Gus' lifetime I say you should wait on the second dog. Two dogs and a baby are a headache! Imagine your drive to NC!
Oh whoops!!! I got confused between the two beagle moms with the same template!
Doofy me!
I'm with cousin eddie. But that's because I am a firm believer that pets should be more low-maintenance than I am. I have seen both good and bad Gus and have to admit that he's cute. However, I have friends in Dallas that have a beagle. They have always been a multiple-dog household, so got another beagle for him to play with. Bad idea. It ended up that the first beagle did not take kindly to having to share the spot-light that he'd had sole-ownership of for several years, and proceeded to take it out on the rest of the family. In gross ways that I will not elaborate upon at this time. He also got really mean and would growl and snap at the kids for no reason. So, they gave the newbie away and are back to only one beagle. Maybe a cat? Or an older dog (not a puppie) that would help mellow Gus out. He's pretty wild for a city-dog.
From the stories I have heard from Mr. Practical, you are one brave lady to even consider another beagle! No doubt will create more good writings for your blog. Not that you need them. Monkeys on crack??? That really stirred my imagination and again another laugh out loud. My daugher keeps asking me what I am laughing about. I am now addicted and read your blog everyday. Can't wait!
Find the right mix of dogs in a home is sometimes difficult. If you think you would like to try out a beagle with your family, we are always open to a trial foster program.
Just so you know Lacey found her new forever home this weekend, you can see her picture on our Happy Tails page.
Thanks,
-OKBR
i also want another dog, and my belle has bad behavior when we are not here (although she is crated), but both the vet and the dog behaviorist said it's NOT a good idea to get another dog if your dog acts out while you're away. apparently, more times than not, you will just have TWO dogs acting out. just something more to consider.
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